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This elderberry smoothie recipe harnesses the natural power of black elderberries, which boast nearly double the anthocyanins of other berries. This special type of flavonoid promotes immune support, along with anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits. Blended with antioxidant-rich fruits to further bolster a healthy immune system, this recipe is a true winner.
For several years, my family lacked health insurance, so I took a proactive approach to healthcare. We focused on boosting our immune systems to help us avoid getting sick in the first place. From green smoothies to plant-based meals and natural remedies—we explored every avenue to stay healthy…and it worked. With kids back in school (mine included), restaurants reopening, and new COVID cases still in the headlines, it’s crucial to fortify your body’s natural defenses: the immune system.
One of the key immune-supporting ingredients I added to our smoothies was elderberry syrup. You can use homemade elderberry syrup or purchase at many stores, I used the Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup in this elderberry smoothie recipe.
Elderberry Smoothie Ingredients
- Dragon Fruit: Not only does it add a stunning pink hue, but dragon fruit is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other berries. If you’ve never had a smoothie with dragon fruit, it’s very similar to kiwi both in texture and flavor. A lot of grocery stores now carry frozen puree or cubed dragon fruit.
- Blackberries: These little gems are packed with antioxidants and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the banana and dragon fruit.
- Banana: The banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness to the smoothie, while also providing potassium, an essential electrolyte.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is a fantastic source of hydration and electrolytes, keeping you refreshed and energized. You can substitute with water or almond milk, if you prefer.
- Elderberry syrup: The star ingredient! Elderberry syrup is known for its immune-boosting properties and adds a delicious, slightly tart berry flavor to the smoothie. You can try my DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe, or save time and purchase from most pharmacies and grocery stores.
Where to Buy Elderberry Syrup
You can find Sambucol Elderberry Syrup at Target, Costco, Amazon, major drug stores. It’s been flying off the shelves since COVID-19 became a pandemic, which is exciting to see more and more people lean towards the natural remedies world.
How to Make an Elderberry Smoothie
This Elderberry Smoothie is a quick, easy, and delicious way to support your immune system and enjoy a healthy treat. I also wanted it to be something that my kids would happily drink. This smoothie does all that in three simple steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a few more frozen berries. If it’s too thick, add a splash more coconut water.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
More Elderberry Recipes
For more immune boosting recipes using elderberry syrup, check out my Elderberry Popsicles, Homemade Elderberry Syrup and my Antioxidant Smoothie Cubes. You might also like Romana’s Elderberry Jam recipe— I plan to make it next time I make a batch of my homemade elderberry syrup.
Don’t forget to rate + review this elderberry smoothie once you make it.
Blackberry Elderberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup dragon fruit frozen
- ½ cup blackberries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 tsp elderberry syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Other berries can be substituted for the blackberries. We recommend those high in antioxidants such as blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries.
- Make sure to use at least 1 frozen fruit for a refreshingly cool smoothie.
- Feel free to add 1 cup leafy greens or 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower to increase the fiber content.
I have tried to use this stay-at-home spring/summer to improve myself with a substantially plant based whole food diet, yoga, now boot camp, becoming organized, spending more time on activities that nourish and fulfill. It hasn’t been a straight line of progress but I am committed to trying each day. I have made plenty of mistakes and it is hard to let go of old habits that do not serve my interests. I’ve enjoyed trying new things… elderberries and elderberry syrup have always been a mystery to me!
Glad we could introduce you to elderberries, Sarah!
I have come off chemo treatment and I am trying to build my immunity back up to fight off this years virus. I was not so lucky last year I was hospitalized on the first of January for pneumonia in both lungs. I really don’t want to go through that this year. I have been making the smoothies every day with the great recipes that are on this site. I have alway tried to eat right and get plenty of fruits and vegetables, but the smoothies bring it over the top. I like to put the greens in my smoothies and a banana, with the kombucha, and any other fruit in the fridge. It does make you more aware of what you are putting in your body. This leads me into putting Elderberry into my body too. I think it would be a great addition to my daily smoothie routine. Thank you for your website.
Good for you for making smoothies every day! They will be a great help to you as you build your immune system back up. Stay safe + healthy, Laura!
My family has taken on a renewed interest in all things healthy. As I am the primary “chief cook and bottle washer” I want to provide all the immune boosting options I can. This is just one more check box in the pursuit of family health!
It really is!
Staying healthy is sooo important. But right now, it’s even more important to me, as a business owner who is struggling to come back from several months of being closed, getting sick would require me to shut down again, and possibly cause my business to close forever. Having recipes like this to help me stay healthy are super important.
Stay healthy, Casey! We’re all hoping you don’t have to shut down again.
I want nothing more but to take care of myself in any way possible and elderberries are a gem to make that happen!
Elderberries really are an amazing little superfood! 🙂
I was introduced to the Elderberry gummies by my niece, Now I would LOVE to try out the Black Elderberry Syrup. Can’t wait to try this recipe, I’ve changed my eating habits and started exercising just to keep my immune system up and of course staying healthy during this pandemic. Also, another reason to keep my immune system healthy is because I’m the one who goes grocery shopping for my elderly parents and for my daughter who is pregnant. Again, thank you for sharing the recipe. 😀
You’re welcome, Celinda! Stay safe + healthy as you take care of your family and go out to do the shopping for everyone. Kudos to you for being a great daughter & mom!
Wow what an amazing thing. We leave in 10 days to go to Haiti so I’ve been looking for ways to boost our immune systems and was hoping to find something to help boost our kiddo we will be bringing home immune system as well. Thanks for the recipes. Been “doing” green smoothies on and off for (gulp) 7 years thanks for all you do.
That’s great, Nancy! Elderberry syrup + this smoothie will definitely help you boost your immune system before your trip.
I have never had a elderberry, in the last year I have been challenging myself to try new things. Some smoothies are nasty that I have tried to make. What am I doing wrong. It looks delicious, but how does it taste. I need to balance my immune system. And feel lighter, sometimes my stomach is quite hard and I am not sure why. Will adding the elderberry, how long will it be before I feel the results and how long have you been taking it and how often. I know curiosity killed the cat but common sense bought him back.
That’s great you’re challenging yourself to try new things, Eyetta! Here’s another article on elderberry and its benefits that I think can answer some of your questions: https://simplegreensmoothies.com/elderberry-syrup. 🙂
I have had very low energy; with the COVID and other personal worries I have been so down. Would love to try the Elderberry Syrup. Looks delicious!
This smoothie really is delicious!
This is amazing, never thought about using black elderberry syrup in a smoothie! Thank you so much for the recipe!!
You’re welcome, Krista!
I want to–no NEED to–boost my immune system! As a 68-year-old helping to raise my rambunctious granddaughter–after having raised seven of my own–I need Energy, Energy, Energy! I am also seeking to do all I can to stay healthy and Covid free! I have read about the elderberry tree and am anxious to use this wonderful berry!
Elderberry and this smoothie are both awesome ways to help boost your immune system, have lots of energy, and stay healthy!
I’m a diabetic and I need to keep my immune system strong. So since this pandemic I have really been working on natural remedies to strengthen my system. This is a great smoothie.
Love that you’ve been working on natural remedies to strengthen your system, Yvette! Keep up the great work and stay healthy!
I get the capsules for my family at the first sign of a cold and we ‘bomb’ the germs away. I was really impressed to see you use the syrup in a smoothie! ✨
I do the same thing, Kym! This smoothie is really good, you should definitely try it! 🙂
I have been taking the pills for years and am excited to try the syrup! Your recipe sounds delicious. My husband and I really enjoy a good healthy smoothie! I am going to get it today! Looks delicious.
This smoothie is super delicious, Mary! After you get some syrup and try this smoothie, definitely come back and let us know how you liked it! 🙂
I am getting on in years and would like to be the healthiest version of myself ever!
Kale yeah, Tymme!
I’d love to try the Sambucol black elderberry syrup in a smoothie like this. Sounds delicious!!
This smoothie is so good!!